Governor from within a good short-term option

By Insider

Reading the many websites and papers giving insights into the Governor’s saga and what is taking place within the Government, the house is now fully divided as to what the next course of action should be. 

Given the controversy surrounding the post starting from Ajith Nivard Cabraal who politicised the once low profile but influential Governor job to the current Governor where people have even got on to the streets to protest, the office needs some breathing to redraw its terms of reference.

During Cabraal’s tenure, the Governor moved around with a backup with MSD guards giving cover to his S Class Mercedes Benz. We are reminded of the time when Neville Karunathilaka while Governor was often seen walking to Raheema’s on Thurstan Road for his bread.  

Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran

The names that are being suggested are Dinesh Weerakkody, the former Commercial Bank Chairman, an influential figure in the administration. He has clearly opted this time stay out of the race. Weerakkody was overlooked by the Prime Minister in favour of Mahendran last year, despite a powerful group within the Government backing his candidacy. 

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, once a close associate of the former Governor Cabral, now closely associated with Minister Samarawickrama, has also been suggested. His name has not gone down well with many people in the administration, given his involvement in the previous administration. 

"The public is in no mood for family bandyism like in the past. The Government is fast running out of time with the local government elections round the corner. The UNP has only itself to blame if it does poorly at the local elections"

W.A. Wijewardane, a former Deputy Governor who was deprived of the Governor position previously, has declined saying he does not want lose his independence. A one-time CEO of NDB Bank in the early ’90s, Ranjith Fernando, has been suggested by a civil society group; Singaporean Dr. Razeen Sally and ex-Central Banker Dr. Thenuwara currently living in the US have also been suggested. 

Given the controversy and the need to bring back sanity to the office of the Governor, it is best a low-profile candidate though not the best for the current situation from within is appointed to the post of Governor. 

"Given the controversy surrounding the post starting from Ajith Nivard Cabraal who politicised the once low profile but influential Governor job to the current Governor where people have even got on to the streets to protest, the office needs some breathing to redraw its terms of reference"

Once the dust is settled on this issue, the next one to blow up would be SriLankan Airlines. The tussle between the Chairman and the CEO is not helping the airline. The Prime Minister will soon be forced to let go of one person to resuscitate the airline that is sinking fast for want of leadership.

The CEO, who until a year ago was working for the Arabs, thinks because his brother has made a comeback as an Adviser to the Government, he can throw his power around the airline. He would surely be the next casualty the way he is running the airline. 

The public is in no mood for family bandyism like in the past. The Government is fast running out of time with the local government elections round the corner. The UNP has only itself to blame if it does poorly at the local elections.